Sakari, Finland (he/him)

“Stuff will work out even though you think you're already too late. Be patient."

Was there a definitive moment you realized you were trans? How old were you?

I was 11. Something just clicked in me and I realized that it's also possible to be a transgender male, not just a trans woman like media often portrays.

How soon after did you start to make changes? What were these changes?

I had cut my hait short prior to realizing I was transgender and I had always dressed masculine. The first actual transition effort was changing my name at age 11. I changed my gender marker to male at age 19, and started T finally at age 20.

Have these changes started to make you feel more comfortable in your life and body?

Yes, I don't believe I would be alive right now if it wasn't for my social and medical transition.

What would you tell your younger self? Would you do anything differently?

"Stuff will work out even though you think you're already too late. Be patient."

I would also not let other people influence my transition as much as I did as a teenager.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Now that I have started my medical transition and I often pass in public I feel incredibly complete. There's no other feeling like it.

Have the gender-affirming steps you’ve taken impacted your overall happiness and sense of well-being?

Yes.